Jamie Stone warns of 'postcode lottery' over diabetes tech
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Jamie Stone is calling on NHS Highland to "go further and faster" in providing life-changing diabetes technology.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross is backing a nationwide "Diabetes Tech Can't Wait" campaign.
He attended an event in parliament hosted by Diabetes UK and Diabetes Scotland and has written to the chief executive of NHS Highland, Pam Dudek, asking what its plans are to continue funding for hybrid closed loop systems.
Diabetes UK says hybrid closed loop systems allow a continuous glucose monitor to "talk" to an insulin pump. An algorithm calculates the amount of background insulin required to keep blood sugars in target range, and automatically delivers this.
There are around 340,000 people in Scotland living with diabetes, according to the latest available figures. This includes more than 35,000 with type 1 diabetes and over 299,000 with type 2.
Mr Stone said: "The hybrid closed loop systems can be transformative for people living with diabetes. But access to this technology is still something of a postcode lottery, meaning that people are unfairly missing out.
"All people living with diabetes deserve to have the tools to manage their condition. This technology is not a luxury, but a necessity."
In his letter to Mrs Dudek, Mr Stone said he had been contacted by constituents regarding access to diabetes technology in NHS Highland.
He pointed out: "In March 2022, following recommendations by the Scottish Health Technologies Group, the Scottish Government committed £14.6 million for health boards to meet this new guidance and roll out hybrid closed loop ('artificial pancreas’) technologies for those that would benefit, and were eligible, across the country.
"I have been made aware that while there has been some progress nationally in rolling out different types of diabetes tech there is still significant variation in how it’s prescribed and access to technology can often depend on where you live and whether you can afford to self-fund."
The MP noted that among people with type 1 diabetes in the NHS Highland area in March 2023 usage was below the national average for insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and flash glucose monitors.
"I appreciate that data on hybrid closed loop usage, across Scotland, is in the process of being collected and I look forward to seeing these figures when they are made available," Mr Stone went on.
"This technology not only has the potential to change – and indeed save – lives, reduce serious complications and the strain on the NHS but to tackle fundamental health inequalities in Scotland.
"I’m calling on your health board to go further and faster in rolling out life-changing diabetes technology so access to tech is fair and equal across Scotland.
"One year on from the Scottish Government funding I would like to know, what is your plan to continue funding hybrid closed loop systems to ensure that all who want, and are eligible, can access this technology?"
He added: "We must ensure that everyone living with diabetes is given the best opportunity to live well."
